SUNRISE: After Public Apology, Political Squabbles Continue

Bacolodnons were glad after Cong. Albee Benitez and Councilor Homer Bais exchanged public apology. At least there is, supposedly peace.

But it seems the political squabbles continue as supporters of both camps express unpleasantries. Actually, the friction between Cong. Albee and Councilor Bais erupted at a dinner at the NGC lobby during MassKara Festival 2026. Their altercation stemmed from the resolution in the SP session authored by Councilor Em Ang, urging the contractor of the MassKara Coliseum and Bacolod Museum and Auditorium projects to explain the long delay of completion, considering it was funded through loans from the DBP.

Coun Bais supported the said resolution adding that the explanation should include other projects of the city funded from the same loan, from the Leonardia administration to date. The auditorium and museum started during the Leonardia administration.

Allegedly, Cong Albee forcefully slammed the table when he confronted Coun Bais telling him to refer to him if he needs information about the project. Bais responded with the same gesture by stamping the table, saying, “Ti ano Kon Albee Benitez ka?” This scenario resulted to negative reactions from the netizens, prompting Cong Albee to issue public apology to Coun Bais. Such gesture of the Congressman “makes me humble”, Bais said. So, he also issued a public apology to Cong. Albee.

However, it is observed that the friction did not end after their public apology. Allies of both camps continue the issue expressing sides through the mainstream and social media. More so, that Bacolodnons erupted when majority of the SP members junked the resolution filed by Coun Bais, requesting the Commission on Audit (COA) to conduct an investigation regarding the DBP loan funded projects of the city. This is the second resolution filed in the SP requesting for COA investigation on the city’s DBP loan funded projects that majority of the SP members junked it. The first resolution was filed by Coun Wilson Gamboa, Jr. in July 2026.

Hence the Catholic Church is reportedly joining the cry of Bacolodnons to let COA investigate the DBP loan funded projects and other projects of the city.* (EBC)